ARRL Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is good practice when installing ground wires on a tower for lightning protection?

1. Use long, twisted connections

2. Ensure that connections are short and direct

3. Install grounding wires vertically only

4. Connect ground wires to non-metal structures

The correct answer is: Ensure that connections are short and direct

Using short and direct connections for ground wires when installing lightning protection on a tower is good practice because this minimizes the resistance in the grounding system. In the event of a lightning strike, a low-resistance path allows the electrical energy to dissipate quickly and safely into the ground, reducing the risk of damage to the tower and associated equipment. Short and direct connections also limit the potential for inductive effects, which can occur if the grounding wires are long or not properly routed. This is particularly important because lightning carries immense electrical energy and can create high-voltage surges that might affect any connected equipment. A direct connection helps channel this energy away efficiently. In contrast, long or twisted connections would introduce additional resistance and could potentially create more opportunities for the lightning energy to induce unwanted voltages along the connections. Installing grounding wires only vertically is not necessarily effective, as grounding should focus on creating a robust and low-resistance path to the earth, which may involve a variety of approaches, including lateral runs. Finally, connecting ground wires to non-metal structures lacks effectiveness, as metal structures provide the conductivity needed for effective lightning protection.